Floating EM Field Generator Arms for Surgical Bed Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic (EM) field generator systems for surgical tracking are affected by the bending of surgical beds, leading to inaccurate determination of surgical tool locations.
Innovation Solution
A floating EM field generator system is provided, where arms with embedded field generator coils are decoupled from the surgical bed, using braces and connectors to maintain their position independently of the bed's movement or bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If field generator coils are embedded in arms adjacent to the surgical bed, then surgical tool tracking is enabled, but the position accuracy deteriorates when the surgical bed bends
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the field generator structure into separate arms that are decoupled from the surgical bed, allowing each arm to maintain its position independently from bed movements
Solution Approach 2:
Braces and connectors are introduced as intermediary structures to couple the arms to the surgical bed in a way that filters out bending movements while transmitting necessary positional support
2Strength
If the arms are rigidly connected to the surgical bed, then structural stability is improved, but the EM field distortion increases due to bed bending
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid connection is segmented into a flexible coupling system using braces that allow differential movement between the arms and the surgical bed, preventing force transmission that would cause EM field distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling parameters are changed from rigid to flexible, allowing the connection to accommodate bed bending while maintaining arm position stability
3Stability of the object's composition
If the arms are decoupled from the surgical bed, then EM field stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional braces and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling function is extracted into separate brace components rather than integrating complexity into the arm structures themselves, simplifying the overall system architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures accurate tracking of surgical tools by maintaining the stability of the EM field generator system, preventing distortions caused by the bending of the surgical bed, and allowing for unobstructed use of fluoroscopic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
when a sensor associated with a surgical tool interacts with an EM field generated by the field generator coils
Data Source
AI summary
Floating electromagnetic field generator systems and methods are provided. The system comprises a surgical bed portion. The system also comprises a brace component disposed within the surgical bed portion. Additionally, the system comprises a first arm that is attached to the brace component. The first arm is positioned adjacent to the surgical bed portion. Additionally, the first arm has at least one field generator coil embedded therein. The system also comprises a second arm that is attached to the brace component. The second arm is positioned adjacent to the surgical bed portion. Additionally, the second arm has at least one field generator coil embedded therein. The second arm is positioned parallel to the first arm.